North Coast

North Coast Opioid Summit, April 28, 2016

Seaside Civic & Convention Center | Seaside, OR

On April 28, approximately 200 people gathered at the Seaside Convention Center to discuss the issue of chronic pain, opioid prescribing, opioid dependence and addictions. There were representatives from the medical community, as well as pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, addictions law enforcement, education and interested citizens.

Dr. Safina Koreishi, medical director of the Columbia Pacific Coordinated Care Organization, and other health officials held the summit to address the growing toll of opioid abuse, misuse and overdose in the region. Health officials across the nation have recognized this as national concern and in Oregon, momentum for statewide action continues to move forward rapidly. OrCRM, the Governor’s Office, OHA and other partners are working on initiatives to reduce opioid abuse statewide.

The summit focused on ways the North Coast area of Oregon can reduce the number of opioids in circulation, such as better prescription methods and the proper disposal of unused pills. Speakers also discussed Naloxone, a drug used to treat opiate overdoses. In the last legislative session, Oregon lawmakers expanded access to this overdose antidote.